Six dead in Portugal fireworks explosions

Police have launched an investigation

LISBON: Six people have died and two others are missing after a series of explosions at a fireworks factory in northern Portugal, rescue workers said. The explosions took place late on Tuesday and rescue workers were searching for more victims.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa travelled on Wednesday to the village of Avoes, about 350 km north of Lisbon.

"In the name of the government I want to send my condolences and a word of consolation to the families of the victims," Prime Minister Antonio Costa said in a tweet.

Em nome do @govpt quero enviar os sentimentos e uma palavra de ânimo aos familiares das vítimas do incidente desta tarde em Lamego. 1/2

— António Costa (@antoniocostapm) April 4, 2017

Já telefonei ao Presidente da Câmara Municipal de Lamego, lamentando este incidente e disponibilizando todo o apoio necessário. 2/2

— António Costa (@antoniocostapm) April 4, 2017

Television images showed smoke and smouldering remains of the factory and the town declared three days of mourning for the victims.

Police launched an investigation into the explosions at the family-owned factory.